The big difference from the Canadian series being that Nissan souped up the little K10 March with an engine that was both supercharged and turbocharged. Not only that, but they sold a street/production version to the public as the March Super Turbo so the race version would qualify for other series.

Micra Cup race car at Montreal auto show

In October, Nissan announced the launch of the 2015 Nissan Micra Cup racing series and is excited to present the public debut of the Nissan Micra Cup race car at the Montreal Auto Show. ... The Montreal Auto Show marks the first time the general public will see the Nissan Micra Cup race car up close.

As for airbags, back in the mid 90's, I don't think the Civics in the similar "cheap" Honda Michelin series even had stock airbags yet. And you could bolt on a muffler on to quiet it down when not racing. They were promoted as an affordable series: "commute during the week, race on the weekend." Though I'm sure hardly anybody did that.

Good point about the cost. I wonder. Maybe they're doing it this way to ensure it's as level a playing field as possible? Everyone has exactly the same car & equipment (in theory).

Yeah, it seems for this "cup" you can't come in with any micro, it's the cup version that needs to be used. JD has personal and financial interest in it... not surprising he wants to protect his profits. I'll enquire see how much tuning you can make on it. I may want to participate if opens up to all of north america.

Am I the only one considering this? Funny enough, it's not mentioning ASN for FIA car race licenses. I hope the darn cage gets improved, looks flimsy to me. Bolted on, not harness through the dash? Seems like they cut corners a little.